Beltman is the best value I've found. They changed hands to the next generation a few years ago and seem to be the same service and quality. I've acquired a few more as spares over the years but haven't been able to wear out my first one in well over a decade with proper (and minimal) care.
Another vote for Armour belts. I have two and they have been fantastic for CCW and everyday wear.
"You know, Scotland has its own martial arts. Yeah, it's called Fuck You. It's mostly just head butting and then kicking people when they're on the ground." - Charlie MacKenzie (Mike Myers in "So I Married an Axe Murderer")
I ended up buying a Hanks belt. Will report back my impressions. I took a strong look at the Beltman ones, nearly ordered, but the price difference was significant, and shipping times were a consideration
Sigs: P220, P228, P239, P290, P365, P365 NRA
Posts: 1131 | Location: Midwest | Registered: October 26, 2003
The only down-side to this belt is it can be a PITA to get tightened as well as you might like, because of the way the buckle works.
OTOH: Infinitely adjustable, does a good job of comfortably supporting even a Government 1911 & spare mag, is reversible, has no "trick" mechanisms to break or get stuck, has no metal bits to set off detectors, doesn't look at all like a gun belt, and costs a mere $23.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system,,,, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe "If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living." -- Seneca the Younger, Roman Stoic philosopher
Originally posted by Green Highlander: Another vote for Armour belts. I have two and they have been fantastic for CCW and everyday wear.
I'll vote Armour Belts too. My first one came from Jerry before he retired.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. -Ecclesiastes 9:11
...But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by Him shall glory, but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. - Psalm 63:11 [excerpted]
Posts: 7474 | Location: Dallas | Registered: August 04, 2011
I have leather belts from Armour, A Better Belt USA, and The Beltman (from former and current owners). They are all excellent in quality for sure. They all also offer the option of having 7 holes spaced 3/4" apart instead of 1" apart like many of the popular belts out there. I found my Armour belt to be almost too thick for some of my holster slots though. The Armour belts are supposed to be around 5/16" thick on average. The belts from A Better Belt USA and The Beltman are about 1/4" thick on average. It's not much of a difference but for some custom holsters, you can tell a bit. Anyway, I tend to prefer The Beltman but they're all great belts.
For non-leather, I vote for the Wilderness Tactical 5-Stitch. I like both the Original Instructor and the Frequent Flyer. I bought one with the internal CSM polymer stiffener, and found it unnecessary. The 5-Stitch is stiff enough for any guns I carry.
I've used The Beltman belts for over ten years. Purchased three that rotated through daily wear and carry and are still quite serviceable. I needed to upsize a little or I'd still be using those belts. I ordered two new belts on 8/8 and they arrived today 8/22. Quality and attention to detail are the same as I remember if not better and I'm very happy with the customer service. I recommend them to anyone who asks about leather gear.
Posts: 11 | Location: Virginia | Registered: January 15, 2006
